EDUCATION chiefs in Warwickshire have defended a controversial funding shake-up for schools saying it was requested by heads.

As reported in yesterday's Telegraph, some heads are angry over a cash overhaul under which many schools would lose tens of thousands of pounds, although others would gain.

Protesting heads have been backed by Labour's Warwick and Leamington MP James Plaskitt, who warned schools might have to cut teachers.

But council education chiefs insist the scheme would only be implemented following full consultation with schools, and there would be no overall cuts in funding.

Cllr John Burton, Conservative cabinet member for schools, said: "This is at the consultation stage and the decision will be made by the schools forum before it goes to cabinet for approval.

"At the request of the schools forum and a number of individual schools, we are reviewing the schools funding arrangements to try to achieve the fairest possible distribution of funding."

The council wants funding for individual schools to more fairly reflect running costs, their pupil numbers, their age and additional educational needs, including for pupils from deprived backgrounds.

Steve Hall, head at Aylesford School in Warwick, which could lose £32,000 in provisional figures, said: "At a time when central government is promising schools more money, decisions are trying to be made locally that detrimentally affect some.

"Aylesford has made its position clear in resisting any changes to formula."

Andrew Clarke, head of Poles-worth International College, which is facing a £20,000 cut, said it was the equivalent of losing funding for half a teacher, or a room of computers.

But Martin Moore, head of St Thomas More Catholic School in Nuneaton, which could gain £36,000, said: "I'm broadly supportive of the principle of reviewing the formula. It's a long time since it's been done."

In Rugby, winners would include Bilton High, potentially gaining £32,000.